Post by: Mechanickal on August 24, 2019, 10:00:03 AM
Before leaving, people in my surroundings said I should leave my SAK at home since there was a risk of confiscation.
So Don Pablo gifted me an Executive 81 to take along as a small, expendable SAK.
Last thursday was the last day in Norway, and yesterday I was on open water and therefore without connection.
My wife and I climbed the Preikestolen rock on that particular thursday.
Conditions were bad, since it was a straight downpoor and the entire mountain was covered in a cloud.
On top of that, everyone starts the climb at the same time (thousands of people).
The guide said not to take anything more than we'd take while out jogging... Yeah right.
We made it to the top and enjoyed staying there for a bit before it started raining again.
On our way down, a bit below the top, my wife slipped and fell. I managed to catch her and slowed her fall causing her to get up again without even a bruise.
I then noticed a group of 3 people standing around a laying, shivering woman.
She slipped on the same slope and broke her leg right in the middle of her lower leg.
Her lower leg broke in a 90 degree position and her foot was in another broken angle.
I instantly grabbed my pack and took a Mylar blanket and placed it over her.
I took my second one and tried to slide it under her.
Because of the immense pain, this didn't work.
So I stopped halfway, cut the remaining part off with the Executive 81 and slided that half as far as I could from the other side.
Someone else called a Medevac and they arrived 10-15 minutes later.
The guide who assisted, walked passed me on the way down and thanked me for the blankets.
He also congratulated me that I was well prepared.
He talked to her husband, who confirmed the double break as he walked down to get to the hospital ASAP.
ALWAYS TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHEN HIKING THE HARD TRAIL!
It feels good knowing my preparedness made the difference between hypothermia or not.
Post by: Mechanickal on August 24, 2019, 10:14:40 AM
Post by: kottskrapa on August 24, 2019, 10:33:02 AM
When I was in Norway a couple a years ago and saw how people behaved and walked to se this kind of places.. With the same clothes as you have when you go out running.. What if something like this happened? Or a storm?
Some minimum gear should be considered. Doesn't have to be much but more than nothing
[It's not failure if you learn something from it]
Post by: Sos24 on August 24, 2019, 10:36:30 AM
A few weeks ago, I was watching online episodes of this show called “I Shouldn’t Be Alive”. While watching several of the episodes, one of the biggest things that caught my attention was how people did not take precautions for some of the basic “what if”.
Post by: Mechanickal on August 24, 2019, 10:45:40 AM
Some people walked the trails on leather formal shoes!
The woman who fell wore decent hiking boots. So even that is no guarantee.
I'll need to shop for new Mylars before my next adventure, but I'm 100% sure they'll stay a vital part of my daypack.
Post by: RF52 on August 24, 2019, 11:33:58 AM
Good you came prepared :hatsoff:
Sent fra min FRD-L09 via Tapatalk
Post by: Don Pablo on August 24, 2019, 11:41:43 AM
Post by: Greg Jones on August 24, 2019, 12:43:14 PM
Post by: Douglas on August 24, 2019, 01:03:34 PM
Post by: Rapidray on August 24, 2019, 01:55:14 PM
Post by: Mechanickal on August 24, 2019, 02:05:20 PM
Thanks guys!
:hug:
Post by: Nix on August 24, 2019, 02:29:30 PM
Good job having some basics along. :tu: A pair of mylar sheets is standard in my little 'survival kit', too. So easy to carry, but could be so very useful! As you demonstrated there.
And, of course, a SAK. ;)
(Additionally, when hiking in the hills, especially in wet, slick weather, I use a hiking pole or pair of trekking poles. They've saved me from a slip more than once.)
Post by: Douglas on August 24, 2019, 02:34:52 PM
Good work, Mechy! :tu:
Good job having some basics along. :tu: A pair of mylar sheets is standard in my little 'survival kit', too. So easy to carry, but could be so very useful! As you demonstrated there.
And, of course, a SAK. ;)
(Additionally, when hiking in the hills, especially in wet, slick weather, I use a hiking pole or pair of trekking poles. They've saved me from a slip more than once.)
Those poles can be so many other things too, a splint, signal pole, shelter poles, reaching pole, spear, balance scale, snare...ETC...
Post by: VICMAN on August 24, 2019, 02:39:28 PM
Post by: Fuzzbucket on August 24, 2019, 02:40:41 PM
...
On top of that, everyone starts the climb at the same time (thousands of people).
The guide said not to take anything more than we'd take while out jogging... Yeah right.
...
I'm sorry, but what a dick! I've never heard anything so stupid*... (turns to Borg, Borgy did you hear this smurf?)...
(https://media.giphy.com/media/L8XuphFGqlSfe/giphy.gif)
*Actually, I have...
Post by: Fuzzbucket on August 24, 2019, 02:41:35 PM
Well done Mechanickal! :tu: :tu: :cheers:
:iagree: Oh yeah, well done Mechy! :cheers:
Post by: magentus on August 24, 2019, 02:55:20 PM
Post by: SirVicaLot on August 24, 2019, 02:58:24 PM
It drives me crazy how ill prepared, and dressed, some people are on hiking trails. Shorts, tanktops and flipflops are not appropriate gear for hiking above tree line. :rant: And then they start getting up there in the afternoon... :facepalm:
Post by: Fuzzbucket on August 24, 2019, 03:02:52 PM
Nice one Mechy - she was lucky you were there :cheers:
Not really, it was Mechy who poured the oil/banana mix beforehand in order to prove a point about being prepared. :facepalm:
Post by: Aloha on August 24, 2019, 03:24:54 PM
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on August 24, 2019, 03:33:42 PM
Post by: FolderBeholder on August 24, 2019, 03:50:39 PM
Post by: McStitchy on August 24, 2019, 05:06:40 PM
Not really, it was Mechy who poured the oil/banana mix beforehand in order to prove a point about being prepared. :facepalm:
(https://i.imgur.com/33UWOLU.gif)
... that reminds me to a firefighter at the in-laws village :facepalm:
Post by: McStitchy on August 24, 2019, 05:08:08 PM
Post by: Mini on August 24, 2019, 05:22:04 PM
Post by: Reinier on August 24, 2019, 06:35:56 PM
Post by: AimlessWanderer on August 24, 2019, 07:06:26 PM
Good job Nick!
:iagree: Well done mate :cheers:
Post by: Nick4 on August 24, 2019, 07:41:22 PM
Post by: Yadda on August 25, 2019, 02:40:37 AM
Post by: pomsbz on August 25, 2019, 07:06:50 AM
Post by: comis on August 25, 2019, 07:25:17 AM
Post by: ulzhan on August 25, 2019, 07:50:43 AM
:like:
Post by: Mechanickal on August 25, 2019, 09:28:15 AM
I was out of connection again, but on the second last bus ride home now.
Should be able to follow up from now on :D
For those of you interested, Here are some pics from that hike.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190825/51c699924a39c1678d6b31befec8902b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190825/e6fbd35bc40e429f47d35c08f151d1b6.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190825/b12c6116129e23cd43d095efd0241c36.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190825/6d61cfc4fc56fbe3070eb7eebdb3a866.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190825/ad67f2d373bb55974117d0ab379e4fcc.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190825/bf7f518042a67f116433a9830e58d983.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190825/bf208a20f7b75c466ae29f47af18fdd0.jpg)
Post by: microbe on August 25, 2019, 09:44:45 AM
On another note, I saw in the news that holiday deaths are on the rise. People want to brag with adventure photos on social media, rather then plain beach or pool pictures. They are taking on activities they never do t home, aren't fit or trained for, or are ill equipped to do. Dress shoes on a mountain says it all.
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Post by: Mechanickal on August 25, 2019, 11:14:29 AM
It's also eye opening to see how a small 65mm SAK can mean a world of difference and is quite capable for it's size.
Even an 58mm would have done the job.
So cheap, so capable... Yet nobody seems to carry one??
I can't get our guide's words out of my head before we started...
"Only take what you'd take when you're out jogging"
- but we're not out jogging... We're out hiking?!
I guess they want people to take as little as possible since they might pack alot off stuff that would only weigh them down during the hike. But not knowing the difference between what to take and what not, means you shouldn't be doing the hike in the first place IMHO.
Post by: SirVicaLot on August 25, 2019, 01:38:41 PM
Post by: Rapidray on August 25, 2019, 02:21:14 PM
Post by: Syncop8r on August 25, 2019, 02:26:39 PM
We have a track here called the Tongariro Crossing that is notorious for being populated by very under-prepared tourists (eg wearing jandals [flipflops/thongs] - this is up a mountain where it often snows and the weather can turn very quickly).
Post by: Aloha on August 25, 2019, 02:28:24 PM
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on August 25, 2019, 02:59:11 PM
I never ever go hiking without at least a SAK and a small FAK with a Mylar blanket. Skiing too, by the way. That helped keep my youngest from cooling out when he fell badly and had to be medevac'ed out 10 years ago too.
Post by: Rapidray on August 25, 2019, 03:15:04 PM
Just to add my appreciation and compliments on solid common sense thinking :tu: :salute: :cheers: in the face of what this so called 'guide' told you (irresponsible smurf, that one) :rant:Oh boy...glad it worked out for the best! :cheers:
I never ever go hiking without at least a SAK and a small FAK with a Mylar blanket. Skiing too, by the way. That helped keep my youngest from cooling out when he fell badly and had to be medevac'ed out 10 years ago too.
Post by: Top-Gear-24 on August 25, 2019, 09:51:46 PM
And thank you for proving my point to my two boys who always give me that ::) look when I slip a mylar blanket in all of our backpacks (and even two in mine).
They weigh nothing, take up no space, and can be used in multiple ways. A true "no brainer" if you ask me.
I feel the same about hiking poles (like mentioned here already), I put them on the outside of my backpack and don't even notice that they are there, but in case of emergency, they can be used in all sort of ways.
Take what you would take when you go jogging... :facepalm:
Post by: Rapidray on August 25, 2019, 10:33:41 PM
Post by: Boonies on August 25, 2019, 11:25:15 PM
Post by: Gareth on August 25, 2019, 11:42:38 PM
B) what the holy smurf is anyone with a shred of authority doing telling people that going for a hike into the hills is the same as going for a smurfing jog?!! :rant:
Post by: Mechanickal on August 26, 2019, 09:49:13 AM
I've never been a fan of hiking poles by the way.
Sure, they can prevent a fall, but when you do, they prevent you from grasping anything to hold on to and you might even fall on top of them.
Furthermore, on the way too busy Preikestolen hike, I've had about 3 bashing into my shins.
A single pole for use like you guys mentioned, sure. But please put it away when it's not needed!
So many people keep them both in hand when they need their hands to climb up :facepalm:
Post by: comis on August 26, 2019, 10:52:34 AM
:shrug:
I've never been a fan of hiking poles by the way.
Sure, they can prevent a fall, but when you do, they prevent you from grasping anything to hold on to and you might even fall on top of them.
Furthermore, on the way too busy Preikestolen hike, I've had about 3 bashing into my shins.
A single pole for use like you guys mentioned, sure. But please put it away when it's not needed!
So many people keep them both in hand when they need their hands to climb up :facepalm:
I on the contrary is a big fan of hiking poles, and I will not go for any serious hikes without the pair of my poles.
They will not 'prevent' the fall, but do help you to balance yourself in difficult terrain and give you an extra propulsion on each stride. I could easily covers 20-30% more distance whenever I am with the help of hiking poles. There is also a particular way to use your poles, such way that when you let go, you will not lose them and your hands are free to grab onto anything.
As for alternative use, they could be used as a splint, tent pole repair, measure water depth, selfie stick, etc.
The lady in this video did show what I think is the proper way to hold your hiking poles, and why the wrong way could damage your hand/wrist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXUz1seCDlc
Post by: Don Pablo on August 26, 2019, 11:07:47 AM
I on the contrary is a big fan of hiking poles, and I will not go for any serious hikes without the pair of my poles.11 minutes into the video, the pole gripping part is.
They will not 'prevent' the fall, but do help you to balance yourself in difficult terrain and give you an extra propulsion on each stride. I could easily covers 20-30% more distance whenever I am with the help of hiking poles. There is also a particular way to use your poles, such way that when you let go, you will not lose them and your hands are free to grab onto anything.
As for alternative use, they could be used as a splint, tent pole repair, measure water depth, selfie stick, etc.
The lady in this video did show what I think is the proper way to hold your hiking poles, and why the wrong way could damage your hand/wrist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXUz1seCDlc
In case, wondering anyone was.
Post by: Syncop8r on August 26, 2019, 12:18:00 PM
11 minutes into the video, the pole gripping part is.
In case, wondering anyone was.
I'm happy to watch 11 minutes of Dixie rambling on first. :dd:
Post by: Mechanickal on August 26, 2019, 01:47:30 PM
Post by: Nix on August 26, 2019, 02:23:39 PM
Post by: comis on August 26, 2019, 03:42:51 PM
Now, if everyone would use the poles in a correct way instead of holding them as if they're used to draw lines in the sand, my case against them might alter.
That's the hard part, many youtubers I've seen even advertising it wrong. The up-and-down method just make a lot of sense to me, and in fact, half the time I am not 'gripping' onto the poles and just lightly holding onto them.
Post by: Alan K. on August 26, 2019, 04:38:48 PM
Just to add my appreciation and compliments on solid common sense thinking :tu: :salute: :cheers: in the face of what this so called 'guide' told you (irresponsible smurf, that one) :rant:It was irresponsible of the guide to suggest taking only what you'd take on a jog! That accounts for zero contingencies, not the weather, fatigue or injuries, nothing. I don't jog, but I regularly carry an EDC bag with survival items that could get me through just about anything for 24 hours and I'm not comfortable with less than that. I'm glad you had the "common sense to be prepared Mechy, as it appears that "common sense" these days is not so common. :hatsoff:
I never ever go hiking without at least a SAK and a small FAK with a Mylar blanket. Skiing too, by the way. That helped keep my youngest from cooling out when he fell badly and had to be medevac'ed out 10 years ago too.
Post by: Barry Rowland on August 26, 2019, 10:50:40 PM
Post by: Aloha on August 28, 2019, 03:33:53 PM
She is a big fan of mylar blankets and buys them every chance she gets ( flea market ) so she can give them away.
Post by: Rapidray on August 28, 2019, 04:51:47 PM
Post by: in_sympathy on January 19, 2020, 11:44:27 PM
Post by: Storm on January 20, 2020, 12:52:41 AM
" don't thank me , thank THE KNIFE " :D
Top work of proving once again that a small amount of gear and a cool head goes a long way :hatsoff:
Post by: ElevenBlade on January 20, 2020, 12:57:22 AM
In the words of Dr hibbert from the Simpsons
" don't thank me , thank THE KNIFE " :D
Top work of proving once again that a small amount of gear and a cool head goes a long way :hatsoff: